Posts on ‘January 2nd, 2009’

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An MP today questioned why a new £4.7m school has dropped the word "school" from its title because it has "negative connotations"

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A new £4.7m primary school in Sheffield is facing criticism for dropping the word “school” from its title after governors decided the term had “negative connotations”.
The headteacher of Sheffield’s Watercliffe Meadow, Linda Kingdon, said the south Yorkshire school, which is due to open on Monday, will instead be called a “place for learning”.
“We decided from [...]

Saved by the bell? Hardly.
School bells are now so loud they’re damaging pupils and teachers’ hearing, a teachers’ trade union said today.
Schools are installing one thundering bell, rather than four quieter ones to cut costs, the Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association has warned.
The most guilty of the aural assault are new schools built under public-private partnerships [...]

A union says many schools do not comply with a new rule about special educational needs co-ordinators.
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Most new year messages, resolutions and wishes are short-lived. But every year there is a fresh crop. Presumably it’s the triumph of hope over experience. For instance, Gordon Brown believes that 2008 saw off the worst excesses of unbridled capitalism. Even though I am sure he’ll do his best, I somehow doubt it will turn [...]

Union warns regulations that require special needs coordinators to be teachers will catch schools unawares

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School bells which ring too loudly could be damaging the hearing of pupils and staff, a teaching union warns.
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Schools are being told they must step up communications with absentee fathers to try to improve pupils’ well-being and performance.

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